Efforts to increase student competency continue to be carried out by the Biology Education Study Program at the University of PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA). One of the activities to support student competence is collaboration with practitioners in lectures. This teaching practitioner program is one of the implementation activities of the Independent Campus Competition Program Grant (PKKM) funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The purpose of this activity is for students to obtain material contextually from practitioners, so that the implementation of basic knowledge can be integrated into life.

One of the practitioners who became a collaboration partner was Ucu Yanu Arbi, M.Sc, a researcher at the Center for Oceanographic Studies at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Ucu collaborated with Dr. Wachidatul Linda Yuhanna, M.Sc. in the Animal Diversity course. "I really appreciate the Biology Education Study Program UNIPMA for being able to hold positive academic activities by bringing in practitioners," said Ucu Yanu Arbi. Submission of material was carried out in two meetings on November 8 and 15 2022. The first material was the diversity of marine life and the second material focused on molluscs and their role in life. Both of these materials are very interesting and relevant for animal diversity lectures.

Apart from students, the existence of teaching practitioners is also beneficial for supporting lecturers. Lecturers can further explore material from practitioners' real experiences. Before learning takes place lecturers and practitioners collaborate in compiling relevant teaching tools and materials through FGDs. "Collaboration with practitioners is a new experience and really supports lectures on animal diversity, material is presented systematically based on best practices from practitioner experience," said Dr. W. Linda Yuhanna as the supporting lecturer.

"This activity is expected to continue in other subjects." said Nurul Kusuma Dewi, M.Sc. as the PIC of teaching practitioner activities. In the future, it is hoped that the Biology Education Study Program will cooperate with BRIN not only in teaching practice activities, but also in other activities such as joint research, student internships and research assistance.